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Will the highest (i7, 2.7 ghz) pro work for me?

O

Onewa80

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Jun 19, 2011
16
0
Hey everyone. First off I'd like to say thanks for checking out/answering this thread because there's a billion threads with questions like "SHOULD I BUY THIS" "WILL THIS WORK" "WAS I SCAMMED" and stuff like that. Also if there is any reason to close this thread go ahead. So, thanks :p
I'm getting a refurbed 13inch, current gen, i7 pro with 4 gigs and...... you know, I'll just post it from the page:

Processor 2.7 GHz dual-core Intel Core i7
Cache 4MB shared L3 cache
Memory 4GB (two 2GB SO-DIMMs) of 1333MHz DDR3 SDRAM; supports up to 8GB
Graphics Intel HD Graphics 3000 with 384MB of DDR3 SDRAM shared with main memory5
Hard disk drive1 500GB Serial ATA, 5400 rpm
Optical drive 8x double-layer SuperDrive (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
Wireless Wi-Fi (based on IEEE 802.11n specification)4 Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) wireless technology
Expansion One Thunderbolt port (up to 10 Gbps), one FireWire 800 port (up to 800 Mbps), Two USB 2.0 ports (up to 480 Mbps), one SDXC card slot
Video and Audio FaceTime HD camera; Thunderbolt port with support for DVI, VGA, dual-link DVI, and HDMI (requires adapters, sold separately)

I am getting this pro to run some large software, like the current final cut(I don't care what everyone says, I love it), and other stuff, like CS5 Student/teacher edition.

I have heard many, many, many mixed answers, and I thought posting this on a forum would be good enough for a satisfying answer.

This is also just for personal stuff, and I'm planning to run Lion on it('Cause it has snow leopard currently).

Will this work for editing and portable work(I move around a bit)? And some gaming?(Very minor gaming, I'm only wanting Portal 2)
 
It'll work perfectly. I have the same model (upgraded to 8GB RAM) and I use the same software as you do. I actually sold my Alienware gaming desktop after buying the MBP, because it was no longer necessary. Portal 2 plays well maxed out :D
 
The pro is the way to go if you need performance, go ahead, don't be afraid to use CAD or photoshop to render 3D or even edit video on it! :D

It will handle like a boss :cool:
I do recommend you invest in RAM if you plan to do such projects.
 
accessoriesguy said:
The pro is the way to go if you need performance, go ahead, don't be afraid to use CAD or photoshop to render 3D or even edit video on it! :D

It will handle like a boss :cool:
I do recommend you invest in RAM if you plan to do such projects.
Click to expand...

Lol, like a baws

Is there any way I can upgrade to 8 gb?
 
Yeah definitely don't buy it with upgraded RAM from Apple, their prices are ridiculous and it's very easy to do yourself.
 
the graphics is the problem if you plan to game in the future or do any rendering opt for the 15" with dedicated cards.

i really push the 13 i7 with 8gb ram with cs5 cad and 3d apps it handles it well enough.

i installed Test Drive Unlimited 2 in bootcamp and it was unplayable cause the lag was bad, that was a let down.

its not a pro pro machine as the benchmarks will show but from my experience should do what you want, its not as future proof as the 15" though.
 
colour said:
the graphics is the problem if you plan to game in the future or do any rendering opt for the 15" with dedicated cards.

i really push the 13 i7 with 8gb ram with cs5 cad and 3d apps it handles it well enough.

i installed Test Drive Unlimited 2 in bootcamp and it was unplayable cause the lag was bad, that was a let down.

its not a pro pro machine as the benchmarks will show but from my experience should do what you want, its not as future proof as the 15" though.
Click to expand...

Well, other than the graphics, size and quad-core, what can the 15 inch do that the 13 inch can't? And is the quad core THAT much faster?
 
The quad-core is faster, and the 15'' also has more screen space with a better resolution as well as an anti-glare screen option if you feel like you may want then when working. I would go with an entry 15'' as well, it's a pretty sealed package given the quad-core processor and dedicated graphics.
 
Onewa80 said:
Well, other than the graphics, size and quad-core, what can the 15 inch do that the 13 inch can't? And is the quad core THAT much faster?
Click to expand...

Well it depends how far you want to take your macbook pro, the 13" is an entry level pro but that is enough for most people. The graphics is the major downfall look at graphics benchmarks in the macbook pros and you will see that the 15-17 score almost double the 13" but thats only if your processing allot of 3D , most people dont.

My geek bench score was 7000 after lion thats roughly the highest you will see with the 13" i7 . The quads are closer to 10000 in graphics - look here

If you wanted to game, buy a pc aswell its just cheaper/easier/better, because you probably dont want to do that, the 15" is better than the 13" and more future proof. Personally i like the 13" size but know the 15" is a better machine for me in terms handling 3d/design/cad applications but im happy with an SSD you will be able to run everything smoothly and quickly!
 
colour said:
Well it depends how far you want to take your macbook pro, the 13" is an entry level pro but that is enough for most people. The graphics is the major downfall look at graphics benchmarks in the macbook pros and you will see that the 15-17 score almost double the 13" but thats only if your processing allot of 3D , most people dont.

My geek bench score was 7000 after lion thats roughly the highest you will see with the 13" i7 . The quads are closer to 10000 in graphics - look here

If you wanted to game, buy a pc aswell its just cheaper/easier/better, because you probably dont want to do that, the 15" is better than the 13" and more future proof. Personally i like the 13" size but know the 15" is a better machine for me in terms handling 3d/design/cad applications but im happy with an SSD you will be able to run everything smoothly and quickly!
Click to expand...

Sigh... I dunno if I will go into 3D stuff. Plus I cant afford the 15 inch. :( Oh well
 
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